How to Easily Power Down or Restart Any iPhone

When your iPhone freezes, acts sluggish, or simply needs a fresh start, turning it off or restarting it can often be the best solution. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or preserving battery life during downtime, knowing how to turn off any iPhone model is essential.

But with Apple updating both hardware and iOS interfaces over the years, the method to shut down your device isn’t always obvious.

At PCMag, we believe technology should work for you, not against you. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide so you’ll always know how to power off your device, no matter which model you own or iOS version you’re running.

Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your iPhone

There are several reasons why powering down your iPhone can help:

• To resolve lag or glitches
• To extend battery life when the phone isn’t in use
• To initiate a software or hardware reset
• To troubleshoot freezing or crashing apps

But how you do it depends entirely on the specific iPhone model and iOS version. Let’s break it down.

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu (All Models, iOS 11 and Above)

If your physical buttons aren’t working, or you’re looking for an easier option, Apple’s built-in shutdown method in Settings is incredibly helpful.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Scroll down and select Shut Down
4. Swipe the Power Off slider to the right

This feature is especially useful for users with mobility issues or those who have malfunctioning hardware buttons.

Method 2: Using Control Center (iOS 18 Only)

With iOS 18, Apple introduced a new, touch-friendly way to power off your iPhone. It’s perfect for users who want to avoid button combinations altogether.

Steps:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center
2. Tap the Power icon in the top corner
3. Slide the on-screen toggle to turn off your phone

Fast, intuitive, and button-free—just the way modern mobile experiences should be.

Method 3: iPhones With Face ID (iPhone X and Newer)

If your iPhone uses Face ID, the Side button now activates Siri, so turning off the phone requires an extra step.

Steps:

1. Hold the Side button and either Volume button
2. Wait for the Power Off screen to appear
3. Swipe the slider to power down

This process works for iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

Method 4: iPhones With a Home Button (iPhone 8 and Older)

Older iPhones retain the classic design with a Home button and simpler shutdown procedures.

Steps for iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8, and SE models:

1. Press and hold the Power button
2. When the slider appears, swipe to turn off

Note: The power button location varies:

• On the side (iPhone 6 and later)
• On the top (iPhone 5 and earlier)

How to Perform a Force Restart (For Frozen or Unresponsive Devices)

Sometimes, your iPhone may freeze, and you won’t be able to access the power menu. In that case, a force restart is necessary.

For iPhones running iOS 16 or later:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears

For iPhones on iOS 15 or earlier:

1. Press and hold the Side button + Volume Down (iPhone 7 and similar models)
2. For iPhone 6 or SE, hold the Home button + Sleep/Wake button
3. Wait until you see the Apple logo to release

This can be a lifesaver when the screen becomes unresponsive.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re running the latest iOS or holding onto a vintage iPhone, knowing how to turn off any iPhone model is a vital troubleshooting skill. Apple continues to evolve its hardware and software, but the need to power down or restart your device remains a universal requirement.

At PCMag, we’re here to make sure you stay ahead with clear, helpful tech tips—no matter your device or experience level. Bookmark this guide or share it with friends and family. And the next time someone asks how to shut down their iPhone, you’ll have the answer right at your fingertips.

For more Apple advice, iPhone reviews, and iOS walkthroughs, stay connected with PCMag, your trusted guide in the tech world.